Podcast Episode 24 Bethany Donaldson

🎙️ After the Sermon – Episode 24 This week, Pastor Jeff is joined by his wife, Bethany, our Women’s Ministry Director, to discuss the first 11 verses of 1 Corinthians 15 and why the gospel must remain the most important thing in our lives. They talk about how easy it is to let our faith become more about performance than the grace of Jesus, and how we can recognize when our love for Him is growing cold. The conversation also gets practical about extending grace to others, having honest conversations with people who may be drifting away from the Lord, and sharing our testimonies. One of the biggest reminders from this passage is that the gospel isn't just something we believe privately or demonstrate through our actions. It's something we are called to speak and share with the people God has placed around us. In this episode: How to keep the gospel first in our everyday lives. Recognizing when our faith has become more about performance than a relationship with Jesus. Practical ways to evaluate our time in Scripture, prayer, church, and conversations about the gospel. Why remembering our need for God’s grace helps us extend grace to others. What Peter’s story teaches us about the grace of Jesus. How to lovingly approach someone who seems to be drifting away from the Lord. Why honest conversations and shared struggles can help us encourage one another. The importance of writing out and sharing your personal testimony. Why living out the gospel matters, but speaking the gospel is essential too. How to encourage and appreciate the people God has placed in our lives. Why we should never let sharing the gospel become something we leave only to pastors or church leaders. 💡 Key Takeaway: The gospel is of first importance. We need to continually remember what Jesus has done for us, depend on His grace, and make Him central to our daily lives. And because the gospel has changed us, we should be ready to tell others about Him. 🙌 Application for the Week: Make time for Scripture and prayer if those habits have started to slip. Ask yourself whether Jesus is truly first in your priorities, relationships, and daily conversations. Write out your testimony if you haven't already, and share it with someone this week. Reach out to someone who may be struggling spiritually, approaching them with humility, love, and grace. Look for opportunities to speak about Jesus with your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. Take a moment to encourage someone who has made a difference in your life. Final Encouragement: Don't let your love for Jesus grow cold. Remember the grace you've received, return to the Word and prayer, and look for opportunities to share the hope of the gospel. God has uniquely placed you in the relationships and places you have for a reason. Let's be faithful to tell others about the One who has changed everything.